Penn/DC/NY with kids
Jan 27th, 2011, 08:11 AM
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Penn/DC/NY with kids
My hubby and I, along with our 9 year old son and 5 year old daughter, will be flying into DC on July 15th for a week long summer vacation and I'm trying to decide which direction to go. Planning on flying into DC due mainly to price - cheapest air by far at this time. That evening we need to head to Hershey, PA for family reunion Sat/Sun. We'll rent a car for this portion...or all of it if needed. Plan on staying Mon/Tues in Hershey then up in the air rest of week. I'm more of a take-me-to-the-mountains-for-hiking so I'm trying to resist the pull of the Poconos! Would we have time to do a few days in NY, day in Baltimore, few days in DC before flying out Sunday? Is that too much? We really only want to see the "highlights" but I don't want to go so quickly that we miss out on any major things. I asked my son last night which he preferred - Statue of Liberty versus The White House - and he said both! LOL. This will be our very first time in this part of the country so I know I have lots of researching and planning ahead of me...any tips would be appreciated!
Jan 27th, 2011, 08:31 AM
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You do not have time to see PA, DC, and NY in a week. How old is your son? You can "see" the White House or the Statue by flying past. You can "see" Central Park while looking out a bus window. The Statue is a full day's trip, and you need to buy tickets in advance. Also, don't bother with a car in NYC, you won't have a place to put it. PA and DC are more car-friendly. But again, in the city limits, you'll pay a premium for garaging it.
Jan 27th, 2011, 08:54 AM
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I wouldn't consider D.C. particularly "car friendly". It can be confusing to drive for visitors; traffic is horrible; parking is difficult to find and/or expensive. I always recommend folks leave the car at the hotel or don't bring one at all. You can easily get around town on Metro.
I agree that you don't have time to do everything you've mentioned. I think you'd want to devote a minimum of 3 days just in D.C. I'd skip NYC and just go to Baltimore on Wednesday and spend Thurs, Fri, and Saturday in D.C. If you want a hiking "fix" while you're in D.C., you can go to Great Falls National Park (http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm) or Roosevelt Island (http://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm)
I agree that you don't have time to do everything you've mentioned. I think you'd want to devote a minimum of 3 days just in D.C. I'd skip NYC and just go to Baltimore on Wednesday and spend Thurs, Fri, and Saturday in D.C. If you want a hiking "fix" while you're in D.C., you can go to Great Falls National Park (http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm) or Roosevelt Island (http://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm)
Jan 27th, 2011, 09:52 AM
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In the limited time you ahve and considering the family reunion you can do PA and DC or PA and NY.
There is no way you can do all of them. Either DC or NY need 3 full days (4 nights) at a minimum.
And agree that a car is worse then useless in either place - no place to park and public transit is faster/easier than driving.
If you are wedded to flying into DC then I would forget NYC for this trip - much as I think it should be on the top of everyone's to do list.
There is no way you can do all of them. Either DC or NY need 3 full days (4 nights) at a minimum.
And agree that a car is worse then useless in either place - no place to park and public transit is faster/easier than driving.
If you are wedded to flying into DC then I would forget NYC for this trip - much as I think it should be on the top of everyone's to do list.
Jan 27th, 2011, 10:07 AM
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One idea is to fly into DC, rent a car from the airport and drive to PA, drive to Philadelphia, turn the car in and see the sights. Then, take Amtrak to DC, see that, and then cab or metro it to the airport and fly home.
Jan 27th, 2011, 11:08 AM
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Hi, guys! Thanks for all the responses. I was thinking we'd need to choose either DC or NY...just can't decide which! They both sound like fabulous cities with tons to do...
Longhorn55, are you a Texan trasplant? Die hard Aggie here! Thanks for the tips on the two parks.
E_M, your last suggestion sound great but I have to say the whole idea of not having a car intimidates me. I'm from Texas...we do everything by car! So we would grab a cab (with 2 kids and luggage in tow) to Amtrak, take it to DC, cab to hotel then cab around town?
One other question, my 5-year old really doesn't use a stroller anymore but will we be walking enough that it'd be worth investing in an inexpensive one for the trip?
Longhorn55, are you a Texan trasplant? Die hard Aggie here! Thanks for the tips on the two parks.
E_M, your last suggestion sound great but I have to say the whole idea of not having a car intimidates me. I'm from Texas...we do everything by car! So we would grab a cab (with 2 kids and luggage in tow) to Amtrak, take it to DC, cab to hotel then cab around town?
One other question, my 5-year old really doesn't use a stroller anymore but will we be walking enough that it'd be worth investing in an inexpensive one for the trip?
Jan 27th, 2011, 11:14 AM
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VJP, I'm thinking we'll only spend Monday & Tuesday in Hershey then head out on Wednesday. Right now we're planning on flying home on Sunday but can always come home on Monday if we need the extra day. That will give us 5 or 6 days, including Wednesday. I mapquested and isn't it about 3 hours from DC to Hershey, 3 from Hershey to NY and 3 - 4 from NY to DC?
Jan 27th, 2011, 11:25 AM
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You can take Metrorail around DC
Sounds like only 1/2 day Wednesday to anything (the first half in transport); Thursday, Friday, Saturday; and maybe part of Sunday or all of Sunday and part of Monday.
I think your driving times are correct with no traffic.
Sounds like only 1/2 day Wednesday to anything (the first half in transport); Thursday, Friday, Saturday; and maybe part of Sunday or all of Sunday and part of Monday.
I think your driving times are correct with no traffic.
Jan 27th, 2011, 11:30 AM
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Jen, the Amtrak stations in Phila and DC are pretty much in the center of town. You can take a cab from your hotel or the local public transit. Once in DC, take Metro. I have cousins in Texas and when they realize my reliance on public transit they are horrified, but there it is. If you visit DC, take Metro. You really cannot drive into Manhattan, parking the car there is probably not even possible. MAYBE you can find a hotel in DC that offers a garage, but that too will be very very expensive. If you try to drive in DC you will spend all your time looking for parking, all your money on meters, and you will still go home with plenty of tickets.
Jan 27th, 2011, 12:47 PM
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You guessed it, Jen. Hook 'em!
As a Texan, I know that you almost feel naked without a car, but it really is more of a hindrance than a help. Taking Metro is the way to get around the city and your kids will love it. My young nieces from Texas visited me last spring and they had a great time riding the Metro.
As for the stroller...I may be the wrong one to ask because once my kids got out of a stroller, I never let them back in. (-;
It will be hot and humid and you will be doing a lot of walking, so I can see where you'd be tempted to put the 5-y-o in a stroller. But then again, that means you have a stroller that you have to schlep around on the Metro, the monuments and the museums. Maybe it will work to just take a lot of little breaks as you walk around. (There's lots of benches along the Mall.)
As a Texan, I know that you almost feel naked without a car, but it really is more of a hindrance than a help. Taking Metro is the way to get around the city and your kids will love it. My young nieces from Texas visited me last spring and they had a great time riding the Metro.
As for the stroller...I may be the wrong one to ask because once my kids got out of a stroller, I never let them back in. (-;
It will be hot and humid and you will be doing a lot of walking, so I can see where you'd be tempted to put the 5-y-o in a stroller. But then again, that means you have a stroller that you have to schlep around on the Metro, the monuments and the museums. Maybe it will work to just take a lot of little breaks as you walk around. (There's lots of benches along the Mall.)
Jan 27th, 2011, 01:09 PM
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My vote would be for DC. It is a great city, there are a ton of things to see for all ages, and you are flying there anyway. NY is also a must, but you just have to choose to do one now and one later. One of the benefits to DC is that almost all of the attractions are free.
As far as the car, don't keep one in the city. We drove last time and the hotel garage was $40 per night. It was a very slow week, so we ended up having the ability to park on the street, but that is very rare. I've been to DC many times and never used a car during my stay in the city, and never taken a cab either (although you may prefer a cab when towing luggage). The metro is so convenient and easy that I wouldn't use any other mode of transportation.
My last trip was with our two young children, 2 and 10 mos, and another family with a 3 and 5 year old. I of course had to have a double stroller for mine, but our friends also had one for their 3 year old. The 5 year old used it quite a bit. There is SO much walking. I would buy a cheap umbrella stroller that can be easily folded when you need to take an escalator to the metro. Elevators are always available (we had to use them as our kids were safer in the stroller at all times) but sometimes they require walking an additional block. Plus, you may find crossing busy streets a little easier knowing your younger one is strapped in a stroller and you only have to keep track of the older one.
Whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip!!
As far as the car, don't keep one in the city. We drove last time and the hotel garage was $40 per night. It was a very slow week, so we ended up having the ability to park on the street, but that is very rare. I've been to DC many times and never used a car during my stay in the city, and never taken a cab either (although you may prefer a cab when towing luggage). The metro is so convenient and easy that I wouldn't use any other mode of transportation.
My last trip was with our two young children, 2 and 10 mos, and another family with a 3 and 5 year old. I of course had to have a double stroller for mine, but our friends also had one for their 3 year old. The 5 year old used it quite a bit. There is SO much walking. I would buy a cheap umbrella stroller that can be easily folded when you need to take an escalator to the metro. Elevators are always available (we had to use them as our kids were safer in the stroller at all times) but sometimes they require walking an additional block. Plus, you may find crossing busy streets a little easier knowing your younger one is strapped in a stroller and you only have to keep track of the older one.
Whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip!!
Jan 27th, 2011, 01:19 PM
#14
Hope the airport you are flying to is BWI. It save the hassle of driving through/around the city. Avoid Dulles if you can, too much problem getting into DC. Regan National has a Metro stop. BWI has a free shuttle to the BWI Amtrak station.
Hershey is an easy drive from BWI. I-695 N and E to I-83 North.
I would say turn the rental car and catch Amtrak to NYC or Washington after the reunion.
Hershey is an easy drive from BWI. I-695 N and E to I-83 North.
I would say turn the rental car and catch Amtrak to NYC or Washington after the reunion.
Jan 27th, 2011, 06:21 PM
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Distances in DC can be enormous. The Metro can take you easily from one part of town to another - but once you get out on the mall it's a couple of miles from one end to another. As a native NYer I'm used to walking long distances regularly - but the mall and seeing a couple of museum can be challenging for a small child - or anyone not used to walking distances. And comfy walking shoes are a must.
Jan 28th, 2011, 06:34 AM
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Hi, everyone! Thanks for all the tips on your lovely area. After talking with my hubby last night and reading everyone's suggestions, I think we're going to stick with Hershey & DC with a day or two at a nice beach town in between. We'll leave early Wednesday to make the drive to beach, stay a night or two then head to DC. We'll turn car in at DC and use metro for getting around town.
So now I'm trying to decide what coastal areas to go to...close but scenic so kids can play in ocean AND what area of DC to stay in. I read online that the hotels are pretty expensive...I'd like to find a family-friendly one (with pool) centrally located. I'd like to see parts of the Smithsonian, spend a day at the zoo and of course see The White House, Washington Monument and Jefferson. We'll fly home on Monday, which will give us a much-needed extra day!
Longhorn55, have to tell you for Christmas we surprised our 9 year old son with Cotton Bowl tickets...it was such a great moment. He's A&M crazy and was very excited...sad that LSU won but so excited to be able to experience a bowl game. I always tease him that when he grows up UT may be the college that specialized in his field...lol!
So now I'm trying to decide what coastal areas to go to...close but scenic so kids can play in ocean AND what area of DC to stay in. I read online that the hotels are pretty expensive...I'd like to find a family-friendly one (with pool) centrally located. I'd like to see parts of the Smithsonian, spend a day at the zoo and of course see The White House, Washington Monument and Jefferson. We'll fly home on Monday, which will give us a much-needed extra day!
Longhorn55, have to tell you for Christmas we surprised our 9 year old son with Cotton Bowl tickets...it was such a great moment. He's A&M crazy and was very excited...sad that LSU won but so excited to be able to experience a bowl game. I always tease him that when he grows up UT may be the college that specialized in his field...lol!
Jan 28th, 2011, 07:09 AM
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Jen, your son must have been thrilled getting to go to the Cotton Bowl. (But we Longhorns aren't talking about football this year!)
Anyway, you are correct that prices are high in D.C. for good, centrally-located hotels, especially with a pool, but I just checked Embassy Suites Downtown (1250 22nd Street NW--a great location) and they have rooms for July 22-25 (Fri, Sat and Sun night) for $179.20 per night. That's the non-refundable weekend rate and if you want the refundable "Best Available Rate", it's only $224 per night. With all the amenities offered by Embassy Suites (indoor pool, cooked breakfast, manager's reception), I think it would be a good choice at a good rate.
If this hotel doesn't suit your budget, you might want to look at hotels in some of the nearby suburbs such as Arlington or Alexandria, Virginia. You can often get lower rates if you are willing to commute further, but you'll have to factor in the extra time and costs for commuting. Just be sure to find a property near a Metro station.
Anyway, you are correct that prices are high in D.C. for good, centrally-located hotels, especially with a pool, but I just checked Embassy Suites Downtown (1250 22nd Street NW--a great location) and they have rooms for July 22-25 (Fri, Sat and Sun night) for $179.20 per night. That's the non-refundable weekend rate and if you want the refundable "Best Available Rate", it's only $224 per night. With all the amenities offered by Embassy Suites (indoor pool, cooked breakfast, manager's reception), I think it would be a good choice at a good rate.
If this hotel doesn't suit your budget, you might want to look at hotels in some of the nearby suburbs such as Arlington or Alexandria, Virginia. You can often get lower rates if you are willing to commute further, but you'll have to factor in the extra time and costs for commuting. Just be sure to find a property near a Metro station.
Jan 28th, 2011, 10:36 AM
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Here's a suggestion for seeing the monuments with kids: When mine were younger, we were with another family and booked a limo to take us around to the monuments AT NIGHT. We could get out and see them up close, then get back in and drive to the next one. We spent our days doing things like the National Archives, Smithsonian, etc., and saw the monuments at night and it worked very well.
Also, you should have the kids watch National Treasure (or watch it again) shortly before your trip.
Have a fun trip!
Also, you should have the kids watch National Treasure (or watch it again) shortly before your trip.
Have a fun trip!
Feb 4th, 2011, 05:06 PM
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Hi, all! So I've been doing some serious research since my last post and have come up with a new game plan. See what you guys think:
Friday - fly into Baltimore early, check into hotel in Inner Harbor and do some stuff around hotel that night
Saturday - explore Inner harbor, go to Babe's house, and game that night at Camden Yard
Sunday - head to DC early, Embassy Suites Downtown, get our bearings, take nighttime tour of monuments offered by trolley system
Monday - Museum of Natural History - read I need to dedicate an entire day to this one alone
Tuesday - National Postal Museum & Bureau of Engraving
Wednesday - rent car, stop at zoo (optional) and drive to Hershey, going to park that night for hour 1/2 with their pre-day ticket
Thursday - Hershey amusement park
Friday - drive to Ocean City, Maryland, check into hotel
Saturday - explore boardwalk
Sunday - explore surrounding area
Monday - fly home our of Baltimore
Okay, so here's where I'm stumped. I know we need to use the metro in DC but I'll need a car for Hershey and Ocean City. Should I do Baltimore or DC first? Can I use a car in Baltimore or is it not needed? I really want to have it planned so that it's easy to pick up a car and we can return it when we fly out Monday.
Anything major I'm missing from Baltimore? Not really into the aquarium since we have ones in Houston and Dallas that we frequently visit. We are planning on going to Babe's House and I was looking at the pirate tour. Ready for some crab cakes!!
In DC, I found a trolly system that has on-off stops at all the places we want to hit from the zoo the the mall. That sounded like it would work well for us since we have a 5 year old that will get tired and hot. Longhorn55, thanks for checking on Embassy Suites...works for me! Is that close to the national mall or would we hop on the metro to get there? I really wanted to see Mount Vernon but have run out of time.
Hershey, pretty basic. Not concerns there.
Ocean City....Okay, I'm trying to decide which way to go. I have several mapquest maps printed. One way is to go through Phili, drive to Ocean City, NJ, take the coastline down and ferry over to Maryland, driving down to OC. I think this was about 4 - 5 hours. Again, we enjoy roadtripping so don't mind the driving as long as there's cool stuff to see along the way. I think the kids would enjoy the ferry and if we did this route, we'd probably stay one night in NJ and one night in MD. Other idea is to bypass NJ and drive straight from Hershey to OC, MD. I know the coast is really out of the way but I know our kids (and us) will really enjoy the boardwalks.
Well, does this seem more reasonable? I know there's tons we're skipping but I hope this is a good basic first trip for us. Again, you all have been so helpful and I sure appreciate all the expert advice!
Friday - fly into Baltimore early, check into hotel in Inner Harbor and do some stuff around hotel that night
Saturday - explore Inner harbor, go to Babe's house, and game that night at Camden Yard
Sunday - head to DC early, Embassy Suites Downtown, get our bearings, take nighttime tour of monuments offered by trolley system
Monday - Museum of Natural History - read I need to dedicate an entire day to this one alone
Tuesday - National Postal Museum & Bureau of Engraving
Wednesday - rent car, stop at zoo (optional) and drive to Hershey, going to park that night for hour 1/2 with their pre-day ticket
Thursday - Hershey amusement park
Friday - drive to Ocean City, Maryland, check into hotel
Saturday - explore boardwalk
Sunday - explore surrounding area
Monday - fly home our of Baltimore
Okay, so here's where I'm stumped. I know we need to use the metro in DC but I'll need a car for Hershey and Ocean City. Should I do Baltimore or DC first? Can I use a car in Baltimore or is it not needed? I really want to have it planned so that it's easy to pick up a car and we can return it when we fly out Monday.
Anything major I'm missing from Baltimore? Not really into the aquarium since we have ones in Houston and Dallas that we frequently visit. We are planning on going to Babe's House and I was looking at the pirate tour. Ready for some crab cakes!!
In DC, I found a trolly system that has on-off stops at all the places we want to hit from the zoo the the mall. That sounded like it would work well for us since we have a 5 year old that will get tired and hot. Longhorn55, thanks for checking on Embassy Suites...works for me! Is that close to the national mall or would we hop on the metro to get there? I really wanted to see Mount Vernon but have run out of time.
Hershey, pretty basic. Not concerns there.
Ocean City....Okay, I'm trying to decide which way to go. I have several mapquest maps printed. One way is to go through Phili, drive to Ocean City, NJ, take the coastline down and ferry over to Maryland, driving down to OC. I think this was about 4 - 5 hours. Again, we enjoy roadtripping so don't mind the driving as long as there's cool stuff to see along the way. I think the kids would enjoy the ferry and if we did this route, we'd probably stay one night in NJ and one night in MD. Other idea is to bypass NJ and drive straight from Hershey to OC, MD. I know the coast is really out of the way but I know our kids (and us) will really enjoy the boardwalks.
Well, does this seem more reasonable? I know there's tons we're skipping but I hope this is a good basic first trip for us. Again, you all have been so helpful and I sure appreciate all the expert advice!
